Arroyo Burro goes by another name with locals, Hendry’s Beach. Nestled beneath bluffs and about ten minutes from downtown, the beach has an intoxicating combination of sand and surf. Restaurant, restrooms, a picnicking area, and limited free parking.

Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surfing, fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.

A picturesque, long, sandy beach bordered by a grassy, tree-lined Santa Barbara Park. It has all the amenities: a full beach house, snack bar, volleyball courts, play area for children, and a bike/rollerblading path.

A sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area. The beach is located off Highway 101 seventeen miles west of Santa Barbara.

Jalama Beach County Park

9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc

(805) 736-3504

http://www.jalamabeach.com

98 campsites, all overlooking the ocean or beachfront. Each site has a picnic table and BBQ pit, with hot showers, restrooms and water nearby. 29 sites offer electrical hookups, and dump stations are available. From Santa Barbara take the 101 freeway north approximately 30 miles to PCH 1 (exit sign says “Lompoc & Vandenberg AFB”), then exit north on PCH 1. Travel approximately 15 miles to Jalama Road. Take Jalama road, and 14 miles later, you’re here.

Leadbetter is an artificial beach, built by accident. When Santa Barbara Harbor was built, it blocked the downshore current, holding up the natural sand flow. One of the best beaches for swimming and family fun is Leadbetter Beach, just west of the Santa Barbara Marina. The beach is lined with a grassy picnic area with numerous barbecue pits.

Recreational activities at Point Sal SB include fishing, beach combing, hiking, nature study, photography, picnicking and sunbathing. Because of extremely dangerous rip currents, occasional shark sightings, and the absence of Lifeguard service, swimming is not recommended. The park has no picnic tables, toilets or other recreational facilities.

Excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. 1.5 miles of beach that offers plenty of sand and surf. This is a great beach for diving and snorkeling, hiking and biking. A bike trail along the beach bluff connects the beach with El Capitán State Beach 2.5 miles east. Restrooms, a general store on the weekends, and camping.

Some of the Central Coast’s best surfing. Visitors who want to take in the wonderful ocean views, have a picnic, take photographs, or stroll the beach will want to visit Rincon. Features: beach access, benches or picnic tables, bird watching, restrooms, surfing, swimming.